294 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR, 
of the common verdict is applicable here, that it is a visita- 
tion of God; that (the young may die while the old 
must.) However, our concern is most with the remedies. We 
have reason to be thankful that the mildest form is the most 
common, which, if treated properly, is easily cured. Before 
giving the treatment, we have just a word or two with regard 
to precaution against infection. There are two extremes to 
which people go, the one is being too careless, and the other 
too much afraid. While in America, we noticed on several 
house doors a red card, printed with these words, ‘Scarlet 
fever.” This was no doubt a good city bye-law. It is well 
to let people know, but it is very unchristian for the relatives 
of the afflicted to refuse to visit the sick because there is 
contagious trouble in the house. This is true of some who 
call Jesus their Master, but who seem to forget His teaching, 
‘‘T was sick and ye visited Me not.” We have known of this 
mean fear carried so far as to cause its possessor to refuse a 
shake of the hand, (lest the contagion should be communicated), 
even with a housemate of the stricken one. With proper 
precaution there is no need for this barbarous conduct. If you 
meet your relative do not shun him, for remember your turn 
may come to need sympathy. If you are afraid of carrying 
infection wash your hands in carbolised, or chloride of lime, 
water, burn some sulphur and stand over the fumes, and you 
need not fear. If you go to visit the sick, you need 
not inhale their breath. When you come out or before you 
goin, smell freely of camphor, a piece of which may be carried 
in a perforated box, or loose in the pocket. Fumigate your 
clothes; take a vapour or warm bath, and you will have an 
approving conscience that you have done your duty in visiting 
the sick. These remarks will apply to all contagious diseases. 
Avoid extremes. 
Scarlet fever is a dangerous and variable disease. It is 
divided into three varieties, which may be compared as bad, 
evil,and worst. ‘The mildest form, which happily is the most 
common, is called scarlatina simplex. It is ushered in like 
nearly all fevers, with lassitude, shivering, headache, heats and 
